Research Assistant / Intern for Final Year Project (HME)

About TUMCREATE

TUMCREATE is a multidisciplinary research platform of the Technical University Munich (TUM) at the Singapore Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE). We are joining forces with universities, public agencies, and industry for the advancement of future technologies.

Our large-scale Food Science ‘Proteins4Singapore’ program is funded by Singapore’s National Research Foundation (NRF). The Technical University Munich (TUM) and Nanyang Technological University (NTU) join forces with the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) and A*STAR’s Singapore Institute of Food and Biotechnology Innovation (SIFBI) to research plant-based proteins.

Please visit www.tum-create.edu.sg for more information about TUMCREATE.

Job Summary:

Soy protein is one of the most extensively studied ingredients for plant-based meat analogues, yet the relationship between formulation, processing conditions, and final product properties is not yet fully understood. This position aims to support research on soy-based formulations for high-moisture extrusion (HME) by systematically optimising raw material compositions and establishing suitable processing parameters for different formulations. Furthermore, the effects of HME processing and various post-processing methods on the structural, textural, and functional properties of soy-based products will be investigated to improve the understanding of formulation–process–structure relationships. The findings will contribute to expanding the scientific knowledge of soy protein structuring and provide a basis for the development of optimised HME processing strategies for future research on plant-based meat analogues.

This is an ideal credit-baring internship for final year project students. The internship duration is minimum 3 months and up to 8 months on a full- or part- time basis. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Characterize plant-based proteins by material characterization techniques.
• Establish lab protocols and approaches and tools to characterize the structuring potential for plant-based proteins.
• Learn to operate HME and understand its processing principles
• Work on protein-based formulations for food processing applications.
• Develop beneficial parameter settings for different formulations in the high moisture extruder.
• Develop the understanding to analyse the structure and texture of plant-based proteins.
• Support experimental planning, data analysis, technical documentation, and preparation of scientific reports.

Key Competencies:

• General understanding of structure – functionality relationships of food material.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, and documentation skills.
• Self-motivated, adaptable, and able to work independently in a multidisciplinary research environment.
• Strong skills in English speaking and writing, problem-solving and communication.
• Self-motivated, adaptable, and able to work independently in a multidisciplinary research environment

Qualification Requirements:

• Pursuing or holding a Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Understanding of lab safety protocols and standard operating procedures for the safe handling of chemicals.
• Basic understanding of food processing technologies, particularly HME, is advantageous.

What TUM CREATE offers you

• Vibrant, modern and positive working environment in Singapore
• Campus-sited office location with a host of facilities
• In-building perks including gym, game room and coffee room
• A collaborative and inclusive research environment
• Access to state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and equipment
• Opportunities for professional development and career growth
• Engagement with a leading research team working on sustainable food technologies

Applications

Please send your application with the following compulsory documents

• Cover letter
• CV
• University transcripts

to hr@tum-create.edu.sg.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

We look forward to your application.